So many of you have already been gracious and one suggested I post here so here goes: just home from second look-see (almost moved 3 years ago). Older kids have been accepted into a school we love and looking for home advice. Would prefer condo to house so kids could swim with friends after school.
Priorities:
- your budget (approx range) approx. up to $18K (though we wouldn’t need to spend it all!)
- your workplace/s (don't name names, just approx neighbourhood) – TBD, husband will establish small office
- the size and/or type of property that you are seeking (#bedrooms, on-site facilities etc) – 4+ bedroom + room for a proper helper’s room (at least twin sized bed), anything I've seen under 3000 sq. ft. feels small to me which i
- will you have a car here? yes
- proximity to transport required. MRT-subway/buses/the airport/Malay border post (if so, which one). Ideally could live within 10 minutes of MRT for husband to commute to work and older child to meet up with friends
- will you have any accompanying children needing to attend school? If so, age/s? 11, 9, 5
- are you looking at private (international/fee-paying, or local schools?) international
- will your employer being funding any fees; or will you, 'out of pocket'? employer (thank goodness)
- is remaining within a national curriculum important; if so what nationality are you? At private, progressive US school so IB-ish curriculum preferred, American curriculum not necessary
- have you identified any such schools yet? 11 and 9 year olds (miraculously!) accepted to UWC East, 5 yr old school to be determined (suggestions welcome)
Nice to have:
- will you need to be able to say walk to the local shops, a library, your doctor, a market, and so on? I want to be able to walk to places
- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities? Would like to be within reasonable distance of the American Club, though I'm not 100% sure we would join, and Orchard is not my favorite area (not a big shopper, prefer small and quaint)
- are you considering bringing any pets. If so what kind, and will they require outdoor access and/or exercise? No pets
- are you considering bringing any parents/in-laws etc? Do they have specific needs (for example difficulty climbing stairs?) no parents
Your current home and commute:
- are you already a city dweller? i.e. Are you used to city-centre hustle and bustle, or would you hope for a bit more peace and quiet? Live in moderate city now and prefer to stay central but not necessarily super busy/loud (something Holland village?)
- what is the size and type (apartment, house+garden etc) of your current home? 5000 square foot house with garden
- what are any current commute times like? Not applicable, as husband principally works out of state and would be primarily an airport commute while living in SG as well (India, China, Australia, etc.)
I would love to hear any and all suggestions. I definitely prefer something nice but needs of the kids/ availability of friends for them is most important to me.
Many thanks in advance.